4th Gen Mustang

[PricklyPete]

So my nephew is rather bent on buying a mustang in the next year as his first car/project to work on with his dad. His family is a pretty diehard Ford family, so I don't really have any sway on what car he buys, but he asked me if I know anything about what year to buy. He is interested in a 4th gen car (1994-2004)...but on the early end of that range. He does not have a lot of money and wants to having something he can learn to work on.

My natural response is to recommend a '96+ because of the 4.6L. My thought is that the '98 is the sweet spot since there were a couple years under the belt for the 4.6L and a small bump in power. Is there anything I should know about this car reliability wise? I know a slower, FWD car would likely be the "safer" car for a teen, but I don't have that kind of pull...so I'm just trying to set him up with the most reliable year of that time period. Any input? I know there are a lot of mustang fans/owners on this board. Thanks for any insight.

 

[BoberFett]

I haven't had to do a whole lot of work on my Lincoln with the 4.6, but I did pay the dealer to do a tune-up because I didn't want to deal with changing the plugs on that 4.6 myself. Just search for "ford 4.6 spark plugs", it's a great engine but after reading some horror stories I thought it was worth paying to have it done.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If he wants to work on it without spending too much, the 302 is the engine to get. There are so many parts available for the 302 that it's just silly to choose the 4.6 if you're going to do any sort of budget build.

Don't get me wrong, I love the modular engines, but the SOHC 4.6 just isn't the base for cheap wrenching that the classic 302 is. The 302 basically goes back to the late 1960s; you can get parts for it everywhere. Much simpler to work with than the modular family if you're doing backyard work.

ZV

 

[PricklyPete]

I haven't had to do a whole lot of work on my Lincoln with the 4.6, but I did pay the dealer to do a tune-up because I didn't want to deal with changing the plugs on that 4.6 myself. Just search for "ford 4.6 spark plugs", it's a great engine but after reading some horror stories I thought it was worth paying to have it done.

Thanks. I had heard of issues with the 5.4, but not the 4.6. I'll have to look it up.

 

[PricklyPete]

If he wants to work on it without spending too much, the 302 is the engine to get. There are so many parts available for the 302 that it's just silly to choose the 4.6 if you're going to do any sort of budget build.

Don't get me wrong, I love the modular engines, but the SOHC 4.6 just isn't the base for cheap wrenching that the classic 302 is. The 302 basically goes back to the late 1960s; you can get parts for it everywhere. Much simpler to work with than the modular family if you're doing backyard work.

ZV

Thanks ZV. This was a thought I had. I also was wanting to recommend a Camaro from the same time period since the Chevy small block is also an easy engine to work on. He probably wouldn't be upset with a '94 or '95 from a cost perspective. The OHV design will definitely be easier to work with as a first car.

 

[exdeath]

You know I'm going to say 03/04 Cobra so I'll just get that out of the way.

For easy to work on and great potential stick to 94-95 in the SN95 category. They are the last of the 5.0/302 pushrod engines.

If he really wants a cheap and nasty project car, get a 80's Fox body and throw a 408 stroker in it.

Easy 400 WHP with minimal cost and work in a < 2800 lb car.

The early modular motors were rather lackluster and a slight downgrade from the outgoing 5.0.

On the 99-04 side, the Mach1 or a 99/01 Cobra makes an excellent compromise between "cheaper than a Terminator" but still "newer and powerful" as in 300+ HP stock ($10-15k) and GTs with the 260 HP 4.6 are dime a dozen of course.

 

[PricklyPete]

You know I'm going to say 03/04 Cobra so I'll just get that out of the way.

For easy to work on and great potential stick to 94-95 in the SN95 category. They are the last of the 5.0/302 pushrod engines.

If he really wants a cheap and nasty project car, get a 80's Fox body and throw a 408 stroker in it.

Easy 400 WHP with minimal cost and work in a < 2800 lb car.

I know you'd say a Terminator

The more I'm thinking about it, the 302 seems like the best bet. Sure, if it was me, something like the Terminator would be awesome...but for a 16 year old, 215HP is PLENTY and the pushrod design/simplicity will be a much better car to start on.

 

[exdeath]

I know you'd say a Terminator

The more I'm thinking about it, the 302 seems like the best bet. Sure, if it was me, something like the Terminator would be awesome...but for a 16 year old, 215HP is PLENTY and the pushrod design/simplicity will be a much better car to start on.

Depends how responsible this 16 year old is... a 16 year old who grew up around cars and a hot rodding father and who chooses to drive and work on an older car because he's into cars and not into impressing people... is someone who respects the car and will be less likely to get into a wreck than ...

...a 16 year old spoiled brat who knows nothing about cars other than "it's shinier and faster than everyone else's because it's a 2011" and just got tossed the keys to a any random $40,000 car so he could be the cool kid on the block.

If they are dead set on a 4th gen, 95 GT is the way to go. I'd say Cobra but it depends on styling preferences as it's the same engine, unlike the modular where there is a huge (no pun intended) difference between the SOHC and DOHC. Well the 95 Cobra engine has better heads, but you can just swap the actual head castings out and reuse everything else... going from 2v to 4v on a modular it's basically an entirely new engine save for the block.

A 95 GT with intake, exhaust, chip, and 4.10 gears would be a great start

 

[JulesMaximus]

'94-95 still had the 5.0l engine. Great engine but it was unique to those years so many parts from earlier 5.0l engines won't fit. I also liked the '95 Cobra.

I owned a '94 with 3.73 gears and 5spd manual. I did intake, pulleys, full exhaust, rear gears, short throw shifter, and subframe connectors (a must with any Mustang IMO).

Whatever he gets make sure he doesn't get the autotragic transmission. That was a weak point on those cars. The 5spd manual cars were pretty bullet proof though.

 

[PricklyPete]

'94-95 still had the 5.0l engine. Great engine but it was unique to those years so many parts from earlier 5.0l engines won't fit. I also liked the '95 Cobra.

I owned a '94 with 3.73 gears and 5spd manual. I did intake, pulleys, full exhaust, rear gears, short throw shifter, and subframe connectors (a must with any Mustang IMO).

Whatever he gets make sure he doesn't get the autotragic transmission. That was a weak point on those cars. The 5spd manual cars were pretty bullet proof though.

Thanks for the input. Manual would definitely be part of my recommendation...if only to make sure he learns. I don't think he would want an automatic, but you never know with kids these days

 

[Tristicus]

Fox bodies are so damn hideous...can't see why anyone likes them.

/ot

 

[Zap]

Whatever he gets make sure he doesn't get the autotragic transmission. That was a weak point on those cars. The 5spd manual cars were pretty bullet proof though.

It wasn't on my 1986 Mustang GT. Broke that biatch twice. Well, second time was because it wasn't properly rebuilt the first, but yeah the 5-speed manual broke on me.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

can't go wrong with the last of the 5.0's in the SN95 body. Even better is too find a Cobra from those early model years with improved suspension & brakes.

 

[ElFenix]

mmmm

 

[TehMac]

depends how much wrenching he wants to do. the '99s should be pretty cheap, and you can get 302s out of scrapyards for ~255 bucks--entire 302s, intake manifold and all.

Get a V6 model with a manual and then he can go to town. This is what I eventually want to do.

 

[PricklyPete]

Get a V6 model with a manual and then he can go to town. This is what I eventually want to do.

The old V6 seems to have lots of reliability issues and common head gasket issues. Heck, I believe I had that V6 in an old Taurus of mine that ended up with a blown head gasket. Do not want.

I think the 302 will be the perfect beginner engine for him. Inexpensive to work on with plenty of space in the engine compartment and cheap parts.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Fox bodies are so damn hideous...can't see why anyone likes them.

/ot

I really don't like the notchbacks, but the hatchbacks can, IMO, look really good in an '80s sort of way.

 

[Vette73]

'94-95 still had the 5.0l engine. Great engine but it was unique to those years so many parts from earlier 5.0l engines won't fit. I also liked the '95 Cobra.

I owned a '94 with 3.73 gears and 5spd manual. I did intake, pulleys, full exhaust, rear gears, short throw shifter, and subframe connectors (a must with any Mustang IMO).

Whatever he gets make sure he doesn't get the autotragic transmission. That was a weak point on those cars. The 5spd manual cars were pretty bullet proof though.

That is not true for the 5.0 cars. Not sure what the torque was on the 4.6 so thay may have problems as well.
The 5speed was fine for most driving but a lot of hard driving or adding on performance parts would kill it. GM used the T5 in the F-bodies but did not use one in the 350 (5.7) only the 305 (5.0). The 350 made to much power at default so only auto for them.

 

[Vette73]

If he is new to cars I would go with a 1999 or newwer. 96+ gets ODB2 and 99+ is a couple years after the 4.6 came out, and 260hp, so hopefully you get a better updated one over the first year.

1999 was also the year they updated and fixed soem things onthe V6 model. So more power and should work better.

So 1999+ IMO would be the best way to go. He have to spend a bit of money to catch up to the factory specs of a 99+ with a older one.

 

[LordMorpheus]

I haven't had to do a whole lot of work on my Lincoln with the 4.6, but I did pay the dealer to do a tune-up because I didn't want to deal with changing the plugs on that 4.6 myself. Just search for "ford 4.6 spark plugs", it's a great engine but after reading some horror stories I thought it was worth paying to have it done.

I did the plugs on my 1997 town car and didn't notice anything particularly challenging / special about them ... ? You have to be careful installing the new ones to not crossthread the holes, but unless you're a gorilla it shouldn't be hard to avoid. Certainly easier that trying to get at the plugs on a pushrod V8.

There are a few things you have to keep your eye on (as with all engines) but the 4.6 SOHC is pretty bulletproof (not a real performer without heavy modification, but it'll run forever if you maintain it).

 

[TehMac]

The old V6 seems to have lots of reliability issues and common head gasket issues. Heck, I believe I had that V6 in an old Taurus of mine that ended up with a blown head gasket. Do not want.

I think the 302 will be the perfect beginner engine for him. Inexpensive to work on with plenty of space in the engine compartment and cheap parts.

hence, engine swap. A V6 mustang should run for cheaper than a '99 GT, plus the 4.6L is a pain and its heavy. The 302 is lighter and you can buy one from scrapyards for around 255-300 bucks max.

Just do your hw in your 'hood.

 

[PricklyPete]

Depends how responsible this 16 year old is... a 16 year old who grew up around cars and a hot rodding father and who chooses to drive and work on an older car because he's into cars and not into impressing people... is someone who respects the car and will be less likely to get into a wreck than ...

...a 16 year old spoiled brat who knows nothing about cars other than "it's shinier and faster than everyone else's because it's a 2011" and just got tossed the keys to a any random $40,000 car so he could be the cool kid on the block.

If they are dead set on a 4th gen, 95 GT is the way to go. I'd say Cobra but it depends on styling preferences as it's the same engine, unlike the modular where there is a huge (no pun intended) difference between the SOHC and DOHC. Well the 95 Cobra engine has better heads, but you can just swap the actual head castings out and reuse everything else... going from 2v to 4v on a modular it's basically an entirely new engine save for the block.

A 95 GT with intake, exhaust, chip, and 4.10 gears would be a great start

I agree...16 year olds come in a lot of different shapes and sizes and you never know exactly how they will handle situations. This kid is certainly not spoiled, but I still think he'll be plenty busy with 215hp.

Thanks on the info regarding the 95 Cobra. Will have to check that out.

 

[PricklyPete]

If he is new to cars I would go with a 1999 or newwer. 96+ gets ODB2 and 99+ is a couple years after the 4.6 came out, and 260hp, so hopefully you get a better updated one over the first year.

1999 was also the year they updated and fixed soem things onthe V6 model. So more power and should work better.

So 1999+ IMO would be the best way to go. He have to spend a bit of money to catch up to the factory specs of a 99+ with a older one.

Thanks for the input. The problem with a 99+ is that it is already likely starting at a higher price than he is wanting to put into it initially. I don't think he will be doing too much modifications...more just keeping it working for the first couple of years. That is why I'm thinking the simplicity and cheapness of parts for the 302 might be the best bet.

 

[PricklyPete]

hence, engine swap. A V6 mustang should run for cheaper than a '99 GT, plus the 4.6L is a pain and its heavy. The 302 is lighter and you can buy one from scrapyards for around 255-300 bucks max.

Just do your hw in your 'hood.

Yeah...that might be a bit out of his league initially. I think starting out with the 302 already in there might be a better starting point. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[exdeath]

It's settled then, 94-95 GT.